This is a short Bill, the purpose of which is to continue certain enactments which would otherwise expire on the 31st December. Senators are familiar with the reasons for continuing these enactments and I do not think that it is necessary for me to detain the House with lengthy explanations, particularly as the position is set out in the explanatory memorandum circulated with the Bill.
As originally drafted, the Bill provided for the continuation of the expiring enactments only to 31st December, 1953. An amendment was put forward in the Dáil extending this period to 31st December, 1960, and I saw no reason to disagree with it. The present Bill is, to that extent, different from its predecessors. This change will not affect the preparation of the permanent legislation referred to in the explanatory memorandum. The work will continue to go ahead and the permanent measures can be brought in when they are ready, thus making annual continuing legislation unnecessary.
Except for the point I have mentioned, there is no new principle in the Bill. I am sure the House will accept it.